No one is required to speak up, but there will be opportunities to do so.

Agenda available at secular.org state page.

Thank you for joining us for this historic event. The inaugural Secular Coalition for Idaho monthly conference call!

Despite the fact that there are tens of millions of nontheistic Americans, we remain one of the most marginalized groups in the country.

The Secular Coalition for America is the only 501(c)(4) representing secular and nontheistic Americans.

The Secular Coalition for America is working to make sure that we are heard on Capitol Hill. We fight in Washington DC against religious privileging on a federal level, yet some of the most egregious violations of separation of church and state are being promoted and passed at a state level.

The Secular Coalition for America is forming state chapters across the country.

Our chapters will bring together secular Americans in each state to lobby on secular issues.

State Government

Capital city is Boise

Governor

Butch Otter, Republican

First elected in 2006, re-elected in 2010

Idaho governors do not face any term limits

Idaho State Legislature

Currently in recess

2012 session began January 9 and ended March 29

Idaho State Senate has 35 members who serve 2 year terms, Republican Party controlled with 7 Democrats and 28 Republicans

Idaho House of Representatives has 70 members who serve 2 year terms, Republican Party controlled with 13 Democrats and 57 Republicans

All seats up for election in November 2012.

Church/State Violations

A few examples of previous or current laws, general practice, or religiously-inspired legislation seen in Idaho that fall within the Secular Coalition for America's scope as an organization are:

ID SJM 104 - Would repeal the HHS contraception mandate, based on claims of protecting a false definition of religious liberty.

ID HJM 10 - Would allow Americans to retain the right to provide, purchase and enroll in health coverage that is consistent with their "religious beliefs and moral convictions."

ID H 530 - Would limit access to contraception, and other legal drugs, infringing upon the personal rights of conscience and religious liberty of individuals.

Similar authorization of discrimination, this time by medical professionals with "Rights of Conscience" bills

Does anyone know any legislation or regulation in Idaho we should be watching?

Overview of the State Chapter Model

A Secular Coalition for America state chapter is unlike any other nontheistic state organization-it brings together interested organization and individuals for the exclusive purpose of lobbying.

Relationship to the SCA

Chapters are part of the SCA

Same Mission- to increase the visibility of and respect for nontheistic viewpoints in the United States, and to protect and strengthen the secular character of our government as the best guarantee of freedom for all.

Similar Purpose - accomplish its mission through cooperation between local groups and coordinated state lobbying activities.

Fundraising

Fundraising challenges prevent chapter growth

SCA will do all the fundraising and provide all resources the chapter needs

LOBBYIST/LOBBYING attempting through contacts with, or causing others to make contact with, members of the legislature or legislative committees, to influence the approval, modification or rejection of any legislation by the legislature of the state of Idaho or any committee thereof or by the governor or to develop or maintain relationships with, promote goodwill with, or entertain members of the legislature or executive officials.

EXCEPTION: Persons who do not receive any compensation for lobbying and persons whose compensation for lobbying does not exceed $250 during any calendar quarter.

Cannot "electioneer" - endorse or speak out against specific candidates

Chapters are representatives of the SCA

As lobbyists we must be the diplomats of the secular movement

Nonpartisan, respectful, diplomatic

We believe secular values are American values

Official Chapter Recognition

Once your state chapter is organized, the executive committee and a representative of the SCA will sign a memo of understanding officially recognizing the Secular Coalition for Idaho and giving the group access to our resources.

SCA's Support for the Chapters

Conference Calls

Initial organizing calls

Focus on setting up the structure, identifying leadership, discussing how the legislature in Idaho operates and the best ways to meet the needs of the Secular Coalition for Idaho

After Official recognition

Future monthly calls will become a way to educate and inform: track legislation, coordinate lobbying efforts and coordinate secular organizations.